October Brings Unusual Weather to Island

AVALON -- Unusual weather greeted Catalina Island boaters through October, with the first evening of the month seeing air temperatures rise to 88 degrees just before 9 p.m.

Avalon Harbor measured .09 inches of precipitation Oct. 11, with the rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, a few waterspouts and even some rainbows.

The next week, the island’s typical warm October temperatures came back, followed by the dense fog they can create. Oct. 16 saw the fog roll in, bringing visibility down to zero and making navigation for the visiting cruise ship Inspiration a challenge. The next day, the cruise ship Sapphire Princess experienced the same conditions, but a quick change came around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 18, as a 38 mph warm southeast wind blew in, causing the temperature to rise to 81 degrees.

Avalon Harbor’s end float and the Island Enterprises float along the pier were removed Oct. 24, in preparation for the season’s first northeast wind conditions.

The Barbara Pearson Dock and the Catalina Island Yacht Club dinghy dock have both been removed, and the string line has been installed on the east side of the harbor. The string line provides tie-up for skiffs (14 feet or smaller), and it is not subject to the 72-hour restriction; however, owners are responsible for the maintenance of their vessels.